A very beautiful day. I went to Market and from thence to the Office. My first number upon the currency appeared today1 I attended a Meeting of the Directors of the Middlesex Canal and heard the annual report of the Agent. It is on the whole flattering as the result of the first years competition with the Railroad, and I think promises well. The reduction of tolls is about five thousand dollars from the Lowell 172trade diverted.2 Hereafter it may be more but I should incline to doubt. The usual Dividend was recommended and declared, although a part of it is made up of the receipts of last year which were reserved. No heavy repairs are however contemplated for next year and the Agent for the first time since I have been at the board makes no recommendations.3

I returned to the Office and was busy in usual way. To the Athenaeum to gather facts for writing. Home. Livy. Miss Anne Beale dined and spent the day with us. Afternoon, read Buffon’s description of Man, until I was interrupted by Mr. Ayer who came to ask some questions about the house. He says all his hewing is done and he hopes to finish sawing shortly. I enjoined it upon him not to lose the present snow in the process of carrying the timber up. Afterwards, Forster, a political discussion. I am wasting my time with this author. Evening Mr. Beale came in and we talked upon Quincy matters. There was a very magnificent Aurora Borealis this evening which I went out to see. Afterwards, writing.